G7 Summit 2026: While world leaders gathered to discuss global conflicts, trade, security and economic challenges at the G7 Summit, several informal conversations caught on cam became the unexpected highlights of the event. From jokes about cigarettes and missing watches to football discussions and the return of the popular ‘Melodi’ moment, these candid exchanges offered a rare glimpse into the lighter side of diplomacy.
Meloni Quits Smoking
One of the most talked-about moments involved Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. As leaders prepared for another round of meetings, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asked Meloni whether she had smoked a cigarette that morning.
Meloni revealed that she had not smoked “since the first of May.” Her response was met with congratulations from several leaders around the table, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Celebrating the achievement, Meloni raised both hands in the air. Carney then jokingly asked, “Do you have a patch?” while pointing to his arm, prompting laughter from those nearby.
Italy’s Meloni says she quit smoking at G7 Summit. pic.twitter.com/Z3NFztqS6m
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 16, 2026
Football Becomes Part of the Summit Conversation
Despite the summit’s focus on international affairs, football also found its way into discussions. During an informal lunch gathering, leaders were heard discussing recent football results and teams. “Allez les bleus!” someone shouted in support of France’s national side, while another leader praised the recent success of Paris Saint-Germain.
Starmer also spoke about Cape Verde’s impressive 0-0 draw against world champions Spain. “Quite remarkable, I have to say,” Starmer said. Meanwhile, Trump shifted the discussion towards mixed martial arts and spoke enthusiastically about UFC president Dana White.
Meloni looks like she wants off the planet as Trump rants and raves at length to G7 leaders about UFC pic.twitter.com/JiZFPENYQn
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 16, 2026
Trump’s Greenland Remark
Another hot-mic exchange quickly attracted attention. During a conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa, Trump made a brief and mysterious comment. ‘You understand?’ Trump said. After a short pause, he added, ‘Greenland.’
The remainder of the conversation could not be heard. The remark drew interest because of Trump’s past comments about acquiring Greenland. However, the meaning behind his latest reference remains unclear.
Macron Loses Watch
French President Emmanuel Macron also found himself at the centre of a humorous exchange. As leaders prepared for lunch, Carney noticed that Macron had apparently left his watch behind.
“He’s left his watch here. We’ve got his watch,” Carney joked. Trump quickly joined in, saying, “Give me it if he left, gimme.” The comment drew laughter from several leaders nearby.
Leaders Exchange Gifts at the Summit
The summit also featured a number of diplomatic gifts. Macron presented each G7 leader with a personalised bicycle to promote the Cycling World Championships, which France will host in the Alps next year. German Chancellor Merz also presented Trump with a German national football team jersey bearing Trump’s name and the number 47, referencing his position as the 47th President of the United States.
Trump smiled and posed for photographs with the shirt. Later, Merz shared an image of the moment on social media with the message, “After all, we’re on the same team.”
Another ‘Melodi’ Moment Goes Viral
A familiar social media favourite returned when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Meloni before the traditional leaders’ photograph. The friendly interaction between the two leaders, popularly referred to online as ‘Melodi’, was captured by cameras and microphones. “Nice to meet you again!” Meloni told PM Modi.
Appearing to refer to their popularity on social media, Modi mentioned Instagram during the conversation. Meloni responded with a smile, “Yes, we are the most famous on Instagram.” The exchange quickly attracted attention online and drew laughter from those nearby.
Modiji and meloni pic.twitter.com/6iWmtkCIUN
— Jash (@jeetcasm) June 16, 2026
Macron Discusses Trump Meeting With Zelenskyy
Not all hot-mic moments were light-hearted. Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were overheard discussing Trump while walking through the summit venue.
Referring to an earlier conversation, Macron told Zelenskyy, “Yesterday, we had a difficult discussion in front of the camera.” He then asked whether Zelenskyy had a bilateral meeting scheduled with Trump.
When Zelenskyy explained that he would be travelling to Brussels the next day, Macron replied, “OK, I will arrange that.”
Carney and Trump Discuss Electric Vehicle Imports
Another microphone captured a conversation between Carney and Trump regarding Canada’s electric vehicle import policy. Carney appeared to explain an agreement that would allow limited imports of Chinese electric vehicles into Canada.
Trying to reassure Trump, he said, “Less than three per cent of our market, 49,000 cars.” “It’s a cap, we capped, a hard line I thought you’d actually like that.” Trump responded briefly, “That’s good, I like it.”
Leaders Gather for Key Global Discussions
The G7 includes France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, while the European Union also takes part in summit discussions.
This year’s gathering also welcomed partner nations including India, Brazil, Kenya, South Korea and Ukraine, alongside the summit’s main agenda of global security, trade and international cooperation.
First published on: Jun 17, 2026 01:01 PM IST
Get Breaking News First and Latest Updates from India and around the world on News24. Follow News24 on Facebook, Twitter.
End of Article
Related Story
